The Western Mustangs dynasty squash programs have a new home as part of a new agreement with the London Squash Racquets Club.
The agreement will provide the Mustangs men’s and women’s squash teams with practice and tournament space that will further build and sustain the teams’ level of excellence at the provincial, national and international varsity competitions.
The funds raised will also support the continuation of quality coaching and to cover other operating costs including travel making them sustainable for at least the next decade.
“We hope it lasts in perpetuity,” says Jay Nash, president with the London Squash Racquets Club. “Squash, it’s a sport that’s growing. You can look back 30 years when racquetball was big. But it died because there was no real youth program. You need the continuity.”
Nash, son of long-time Mustangs supporter John Nash and nephew of Robbie Nash, made the announcement Monday, prior to the opening matches of the Nash Cup, a high level squash tournament which this year features four Mustangs men’s squash players.
“This partnership is a tribute to the work and long-term investment in the sport of squash from Jack Fairs and ensures his legacy is appropriately honoured,” says Therese Quigley, director of sports and recreation services at Western.
“Without the OUA there would be a massive hole,” says Nash of the progression of squash development, noting the London Squash Racquets Club has a strong junior program which starts players at ages as young as three-years-old.
Nash notes they need the university league to stay strong to give young players a place to aspire to play. He credits programs like the Sport Western’s summer squash session in helping with development and creating interest in the sport.
“Going to the pro level is not always an option, (young players) have to see where it goes from the junior level to university and beyond. It is important to support the university-level squash,” he says. “The program has been strong for so long, but it needed additional support to continue to be successful through the changes it’s facing, and to be competitive at both the OUA and U.S. college level.”
The Mustangs men have won the past 27 OUA titles, 37 in total, while the women have won a league-best 10 provincial titles since competition began in 1978.
The funding agreement will give Western the opportunity to continue to maintain the high level of excellence at the OUA level and build on their competitive placing in the U.S. college league, in which Western competes in a division with top teams and individuals annually. The Mustangs are ranked No. 8 entering 2010-11 NCA play.
The teams will get their own locker space and double the work-out area as part of the partnership, with the agreement also protecting the future of the program with consistent funding and provides scholarships for varsity squash players. London Squash Racquets Club is also committed to providing two internships for team members interested in training related to private club management and squash coaching.
“It creates financial stability and a home-turf facility for at least the next 10 years,” Nash says, noting more donations can help to keep the program competitive for years beyond. “We are trying to make the program self-sufficient.”
Western will once again be very competitive in 2010-11 according to coaches and players.
“Western has had one of the best recruitment years in the past decade. There are 15 players who are extremely strong,” Nash says. “It’s not just that Western is getting the top university squash players in Canada, they’re now getting interest from quality American players.
For those who are interested in donating or supporting the Mustangs squash programs and their $1-million fundraising campaign, contact Holly Gati in Alumni Relations at hgati@uwo.ca or by phone at 519 661.2111 ext. 87086. For information on Western’s Adopt a Player, click here.